Massive rear bumper/tailgate rust

Hi,
Brand new here just today. A big thank you to everyone sharing their problems and successes and to those keeping this site up and running.
So, I have a really serious rear bumper/tailgate rust issue on my 2005 TRD Sport. Part of it is 19 years of daily use on often muddy gravel roads and neglect on my cleaning maintenance. It looks like the bumper is a fairly straightforward replacement fix but the mounts for the tailgate hinges are completely gone as well. I haven't been able to determine if those an integral or separate component from the frame and am a little confused about which component holds those mounts and can they be replaced. I have some mobility issues so I can't get a good look underneath. The frame was replaced during the recall so that should be ok. I've considered replacing the whole bed but finding one is a whole other issue.
Anyway, any help would be appreciated.

 

Clear photos of the problem areas are always useful.

 

Sorry, having technical troubles attaching them.

 

I would say you need a new bumper.

 

To attach a photo, you ‘upload a file’ and then either take the photo or attach the file.

 

I can't imagine what the underside of the truck looks like......

 

The little bit of the bed that I can see suggests it is also badly rusted and probably needs to be replaced. I can’t imagine trying to get the bed bolts out though. You said you had the frame changed - please tell me you’re spraying it with fluid film, wool wax, Cosmoline, HD metal protect, or similar.

 

That bumper is the worst I’ve seen. Even though you had the frame replaced, I’m thinking other parts of the truck must be devestately rusted. Before I replaced the bumper I’d have the truck thoroughly checked for rust damage. You may have a lot more to be concerned about than the bumper. Hate to say it but your truck may be toast.

 

Meh, it’ll buff out.

 

Looks like one half of Gus Fring's face after the wheelchair pipe-bomb scene in Breaking Bad.

Worst bumper rust I've ever seen.

Post extensive photos of the rest of the underside & frame of your truck, front to back.

Be ready for some possibly hard truths coming your way.

 

ok, LET'S SEE THE UNDERCARAGE...

 

I bet that's just the tip of the iceberg! Yikes!!!!!!!!

 

Get a used bed, bumper and tailgate, IMO thats the only fiscally responsible option considering the truck's age and level of corrosion, plan on some extra expense for small stuff.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. If I'm interpreting it correctly, installing new bumper components is necessary. I just can't tell from the various parts diagrams what piece holds the tailgate hinges. I can't say what the underside looks like (I'm no longer physically able to get down there) but the truck is and has been up on the lift serviced at the proper intervals since I bought it new in '05. I would hope the dealership might mention it if something more critical were about to fall off but perhaps I'm dangerously naive.

 

Dude.. bro... friend...

Post pics of the rest of the underbody & frame. If significant amounts of it look anything remotely resembling the bumper, your truck has much more pressing needs than just a new bumper and/or bumper mounts.

In the 2nd teaser pic you posted just above.. that rust is so bad, it doesn't even look like metal anymore. It looks like weathered OSB. (Oriented strand board, a wood product.)

 

Take it somewhere else other than the dealer. You’ve got major problems. I think your truck is done. The very least there may be some saf issues.

 

Just here to see the underside.

 

Ok, I got some help with the photos. I hope they show the main important parts.

 

Somehow not nearly as bad as I was expecting

 

Take a hard look at that carrier bearing and I believe the U-joint right next to it. Those look pretty bad.The rear pumpkin and leaf spring mounting points definitely needs some major TLC. But I've never seen a rear Bumper look like that. Almost like it's been sitting submerged in Salt Water. I'd either have a reliable friend crawl under the truck for a "Really" good look or take it to a local mechanic that you trust.